bank of shanghai data processing center by silvio d’ascia architecture

bank of shanghai data processing center by silvio d’ascia architecture
photo © yves chan you
all images courtesy of silvio d’ascia architecture

paris-based practice silvio d’ascia architecture has completed a data processing center for the bank of shanghai, the second such complex the firm has developed in the city. conceived in partnership with AREP and local practice ECADI, the scheme is located within the zhangjiang innovation park, conceived as a ‘digital fortress’. the vast facility is articulated around 12,500 square meters of data server rooms, surrounded by offices, customer service centers, restaurants and conference facilities.

façades are treated with local shanghai granite
photo © yves chan you

the project’s design comes from the architect’s desire to give an image of stability to the financial institution. this strength is reinforced through the use of a uniform foundation for the complex, which accommodates the data center facilities. the remainder of the program is located on, around, or beside this foundation. façades are treated with local shanghai granite, with the vernacular stone providing a calming visual contrast against the glass and aluminium brise-soleil that envelopes the central office tower. 

the data center as foundational element
photo © yves chan you

‘the idea was to give a certain solidity to the image of the bank; we wanted the center to reflect the strength of the financial institution housed within its walls. I truly believe this sort of building, the data center, is the future. every company will need one’, explains silvio d’ascia. 

the landscaped grounds in front of the vast complex
photo © yves chan you

the upper-level management offices
photo © yves chan you

interior courtyards within offices
photo © yves chan you

data center interior
photo © yves chan you

data center office towers
photo © yves chan you

aerial view of the site
photo © yves chan you

1/4

project info:

client: bank of shanghai co. ltd.
design team: silvio d’ascia architecture with AREP & ECADI (engineering)
program: data center, management offices, conference center, hotel and residential tower, training center, upper-level management offices, accounting center, customer service center, banking card center, underground parking
competition winner: 2007
development: 2007 – 2009
completion: spring 2014
project area: 76,000 sqm
construction cost: 98 million €